However, Colin Charvis (pictured) returns to the Newcastle line-up after a three-month lay-off to give them a boost for Sunday's Zurich Premiership clash against Worcester at Kingston Park (3.00).

The Wales flanker, one of four changes in the Falcons' line-up, has been sidelined since January 16 after picking up a foot injury in the Heineken Cup win over Newport Gwent Dragons.

The injury prevented him from taking part in Wales' recent Grand Slam triumph.

Relishing the prospect of Charvis's return, Falcons' boss Rob Andrew: "It is a huge boost and Colin has been a big miss for us.

"His presence in the side gives us a lift and hopefully we can use that on Sunday. We have had a difficult two months but we now have a massive end to the season."

Charvis said: "It has been enormously frustrating to have been out of the side and away from the training environment when I was just starting to get more involved.

"I am hungry to return and cannot wait to run out on Sunday.

"Watching the matches as a spectator was not easy but I am determined to come back strong and contribute as much as I can in what is left of the season to help us qualify for the Heineken Cup again."

Andrew revealed Wilkinson was desperately close to making his comeback from medial knee ligament damage, saying: "He is about as near as you can get to being fit to play but is just not quite there yet.

"He has done most of training this week but we just have to do things right and make sure he is 100% when he does come back. We hope he will be back next week at Northampton."

The other three Newcastle changes see Mathew Tait on the left wing ahead of Michael Stephenson, Luke Gross replace Geoff Parling at lock and David Wilson start at loose head prop for the injured James Isaacson.